Kural #723
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Tamil text
பகையகத்துப் பேடிகை ஒப்பர்
சகையகத்துச் சான்ற அறிவு இலார்
Pakaiyakattu pēṭikai oppar
Cakaiyakattu cāṉṟa aṟivu ilār
English translation
Those who lack the wisdom to speak effectively in an assembly are like women among enemies - fearful and powerless.
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Explanation
Without the ability to speak confidently in an assembly, a person becomes as vulnerable as a woman captured among enemies - unable to defend themselves or assert their position. Effective communication is essential for one's influence and safety.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 723: அவையில் பேசத் தெரியாதவர், பகைவர் நடுவே பெண் போல வலிமை இல்லாமல் இருப்பர். நல்ல அறிவு இருந்தால் அவையில் பயமின்றிப் பேசலாம். அவை அஞ்சாமை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம்.
Word meanings
- பகைpakaienemy
- அகத்துakattuamong/in the midst
- பேடிகைpēṭikaiwoman/female
- ஒப்பர்opparare like/resemble
- சகைcakaiassembly/gathering
- சான்றcāṉṟaexcellent/distinguished
- அறிவுaṟivuwisdom/knowledge
- இலார்ilārthose without
Story behind this kural
In a bustling marketplace, a merchant named Thiru found himself in a dispute. A cunning rival accused him of selling spoiled spices, hoping to ruin his reputation. Thiru, though honest, was usually shy and hesitant. He stammered, his face flushed with anxiety, unable to articulate his defense clearly. The crowd, sensing his discomfort, began to murmur and side with his accuser. Across the square, a wise elder named Arul observed. He’d seen Thiru’s good character for years. Arul stepped forward, his voice clear and strong. He calmly questioned the accuser, exposing the flaws in his claims. He then presented evidence of Thiru’s quality goods, his words flowing with conviction. The crowd, swayed by Arul’s confidence and logic, quickly changed their opinion. The accuser, exposed, slunk away. Thiru, relieved, learned a valuable lesson that day.